opening a non riveted lock body

[digital_blue]

I've read and re-read raimundo's post, and I can't see where he actually said how to disassemble the lock. I know there are the pressure fit plugs in the side (actually, I didn't know for sure they were only pressure fit, so that helps a bit) but I can't see how to remove them. I kinda tossed around the idea of drilling, but that sounds kinda like a bull in a china shop to me.

db

[MrB]

I was extrapolating a bit from what raimundo said. He mentioned the existence of the push fit plugs in the side; I figured that if the plugs were pushed in, they can be pulled out. I thought to do this by drilling a small hole in the centre, threading a screw in the hole, and pulling.

Once the pin caps are removed, all the springs and pins will fall out. That just leaves the plug which must be held in place with some kind of retaining clip. That's where where you need to find and pull out any other caps that provide access to the shackle mechanism and/or the plug retainer.

My whole reasoning is that whatever was assembled can be disassembled. They might want you to think that a brass padlock is some kind of impossible ship-in-a-bottle trick, but it really can't be like that.

[digital_blue]

Ship in a bottle... hehe... I like that. Anyway, yes, you're probably right. In fact, I have a brass 5-pin that, upon closer inspection, has a mysterious 6th hole in line with the 5 pin chambers. A clue, Mr. Watson! A clue indeed, sir!

db

[stick]

Many locks are drilled like that, just to allow further expansion with the help of a locksmith if so desired.

[xodishox]

You could, unless it has already been mention, try this

ethereal tought me this

it is for brass padlocks, you put the lock on a small gas stove and let it burn for about 5 - 10 min, or until it goes a nice crispy brown, have a bucket or sink full of cold water with lots of ice next to u, one the lock is brown take it of the stove and dip it quickly into the water, all the parts should come out (becareful as the pins may spring out and fly everywere).

[Varjeal]

1/8" drill bit, 3/16" or so deep (depends on model really) Drill straight and STOP when you feel the bit want to dive into the lock. If you do this correctly you can actually rekey the padlock and and then use some tiny brass rod to "recap" the lock again. Then it's a matter of putting a sort of "cross-hatch" pattern over the holes with a file to conceal the pins.

Those who key and re-key papaiz padlocks will be well-familiar with this procedure. In fact, they MAY sell a re-key kit with all the necessary parts including the "caps" which are really just blunt-ended pins.

[digital_blue]

Thanks guys. I'll give those ideas some experimentation. Not sure where to get tiny brass rods, mind u.

db